Trusting In

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.… Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. – John 3:16-19, 36 ERV

Everyone in America seems to know John 3:16. People often misconstrue this verse to push their idea of love as a form of salvation. Verses are arbitrary and certainly not a divider separating thoughts. The authors of the Bible never placed chapters or verse numbers on their writings. If one would continue to read from 3:16, the true meaning emerges.

First, we need to take a quick detour into word meanings. The word translated as “believes” is Πιστεύων (pisteuōn from pisteuó: to believe, entrust). Modern society sees the word “believes” and thinks it means something that you think is real. Really, we use this word in two ways. This common meaning is a “believe that” but the Bible is using it as “believe in”. Notice the second word in the definition of pisteuo, entrust. When you believe in someone, you give over to them control. They handle care, protection, or some performance of duty.

If I get in my car and drive, you may believe that I am driving. If you get in the car with me, then you believe in my driving. I have a responsibility to deliver you to the destination alive and your willingness to get in demonstrates your entrusting nature. If you decide we should turn left and grab the steering wheel to force a left, you may see me in the driver’s seat, but you have stopped entrusting in my ability to get to the destination. You have decided to go your own path, and recklessly took control of something you had no business touching.

Do you believe THAT Jesus died for your sins? Or do you believe IN Jesus, who rose from the dead and is the Ruler of your life’s journey? If you try to do things your way, then you struggle with trusting in His way. Reread the verses above, replacing “believe” with “trust” and reconsider if you really want to control your life.

I admit, I often have difficulties trusting Him in my journey. So many horrific things have occurred that I struggle to trust anyone, including myself, to make a correct course. So many times I have entrusted aspects of my life to God only to have children die, business burned, health deteriorate, and finances crumble. Metaphorically, I have a massive storm barreling down on my life now. Hail has begun to pound down, breaking a few windows. Should I take control or let God? I am lost, blind, and out of ideas, so I let God have control.

See Related: Lament as an Apologetic, God Is In the Doubt Released